The images in local media with leaders of color hobnobbing with city and state politicians have been cropping up for weeks. There they are, black and Hispanic leaders, fawning over elected officials walking in their neighborhood; or trying to get close enough in the photo-op at City Hall with politicians. All over the Greater Hartford area politicians have come to realize that certain black or brown faces might be needed in the war over controlling the narrative about police-- community relations. Hell, all of a sudden we see Hartford Police and City Hall officials with the masses. It is clear leaders of color are being used, but to what end ??
Violence directed toward people of color by state sanctioned officers of the law is nothing new in America. A perusal of history books describes in detail how local governments conspired to harm/ kill people of color. Since highly publicized killings of Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, et al. demonstrations have erupted all over these United States. Now those areas that are not under constant protest like Hartford, Connecticut are fearful of the "Great Awakening" of the unwashed masses, who might seek justice in the streets ( the Lord knows justice is not to be found in courts or the laws of political operatives ). This is where the machinations of local power brokers come in. After scanning the horizon for possible outbreaks of trouble due to issues of brutality, politicians made calculated decisions how to " head off trouble at the pass." In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Pharaoh realized the Hebrews were growing numerous and confident. Then Pharaoh said "let us deal wisely with them." Dealing wisely with leaders of color is exactly what local power brokers are doing in Hartford to fabricate the narrative police et al. are trying to build bridges to bring peace to the city. Yeah okay ! In recent weeks community forums are held with teens and police, politicians walk with community leaders in the Northend, city leaders finally meet with certain leaders over shootings / violence. Is everyone blind ? Are these trotted out leaders aware of what is going on, that is, being played like violins in order for white based power structures to look good before the unwashed masses ??
Now before the clergy [ right Reverends ] and other leaders start calling me names or looking at me out the side of their faces, please take note of my next words. If leaders in the black or Hispanic community are truly "seeking the welfare of the city" then God bless them for doing so. I have no problem with trying to stop carnage and killing. However, I do have issues when so called intelligent leadership of color are played like chumps by white officials and their minions. Now the previous statement presupposes that leadership of color does not know they are viewed by whites as chumpzilla. It very well could be that these black and brown pillars of the area want or need to be in the limelight. And ergo sing Bill Withers song "I just want to spread the news, if it feels this good getting used. Just keep on using me, till you use me up."
" If your enemy's a man of conscience and honor, you can touch his heart
And he'll show you mercy,
But this man,
Is a savage."
spoken by Megra in Euripides play---- Herakles
No comments:
Post a Comment